Hays came to Fayetteville after playing for Little Rock Christian Academy and redshirted in 2016. Last fall, the 6-3 lineman moved from defense to offense for the last third of the season. Hays recorded a tackle and recovered a fumble against Auburn, while playing in 10 of 12 games.

Hays joins Jalen Merrick and Jake Heinrich as the third Razorback offensive lineman to receive a medical hardship in the past year.